Heat oven to 375°.,In large mixer bowl cream butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.,Add eggs and beat well.,Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.,Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.,______,Cool slightly, remove from cookie sheet onto wire rack.,Cool completely.,Yields about 6 dozen cookies.